Artist residencies as specialist accommodation: cultural entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose Artist residencies comprise a unique accommodation type and form of cultural entrepreneurship which remains overlooked from hospitality perspective. This exploratory study aims to examine the phenomenon artist as specialist accommodation, well their operators’ motives entrepreneurs during COVID-19 pandemic. Creation theory is used explore how residency operators create entrepreneurial opportunities. Design/methodology/approach Asynchronous email interviews were conducted with 20 18 countries. Purposive sampling was select interviewees thematic analysis analyze primary data. Findings The results showed that few exceptions, address all criteria social interactions among artists are fundamental in running an residency. From perspective, most declared priorities promote artistic creativity knowledge exchange, confirming main elements creation theory. Practical implications Managerial discussed enhance resilience strengthen financial viability, support them overcome devastating impacts Originality/value extends literature by adding existing types accommodation. It also examines concludes networks prominent activities.